Inferior to Original, But Good for the Cause

Here's how hip I am. I saw the video and thought,"Wow Michael Jackson's son Prince can sing too. " I was so touched that he was included, and given such a place of honor. Uh, well, it was apparently one Justin Bieber who sings first on the video. The blogosphere's abuzz with the God deletion, too, plus the rap and that voice - echo thing, but come on it's 2010, for "God's" sake. Oops, is that okay?

Just Watch Those Pounds Melt Away

The words of yet another infomercial? No, mine. And it's a good thing I don't give way to impulse buys like diet fads or exercise machines. Not me. I'll be dropping my serious poundage (sounds like appendage) the right way, you know, diet, exercise, no alcohol, no eating out, good old, clean living. That's the new me. Just wait. You will not even recognize me. Seriously.

Woo Hoo Snow and Money

The iceman cometh and the taxman giveth. On this snow day, I was able to get a last-minute appointment to have my taxes done, instead of waiting until April. Thanks to my accountant, I will be getting a much-earned return, deposited directly into my account within the next few weeks. Sweet. Now, of course, if I could manage NOT to spend it; that would be good. I probably need to find a bank that's really inconvenient -- no debit card, no electronic withdrawals -- one that will hold on to my money until I physically arrive to this distant place to get it. And then, they should only give it to me for something I really want or need. I think of it like a really strict parent's bank-- that's what I need. Anyone anyone?

Getting the Big Picture

I'm starting to realize that leadership for incremental change is definitely the way to go, as much as I'd like to be able to be an agent of Second Order change. The latter just doesn't work in some organizational cultures -- especially schools, which ironically are incredibly change resistant. But that's okay for now. I'm starting to see patterns in the big scheme...from Fundations to RTI to Literacy to date-informed decision making.

This Aint Midwinter Spring

It is cold out today, most definitely, and I have returned to the digital world with a vengeance. I am WAy too addicted to my laptop. I joined a number of sites today, one particularly effective, I believe, for my grad class and, even perhaps for my work at Bethpage.

I decided that I will no longer require a print text book for my courses at SJU, and hereafter, will rely on online resources and some of my own papers, downloads, etc. I wish I had thought of it sooner, to save the students money on print texts they will not need after the course. I do believe this one is pretty good, though. Sergiovanni is no slouch!) ConnectIx, will be an excellent resource. Here are the other decisions of the day:

- need a slogan for my JFK work (even if it's just for me)

- will take Patty J. up on her workout offer

- need to look into offering p.d. courses via Bethpage (1K) or SCOPE

- need to see about online courses at NYSTRS institutions

- need to provide online resources for teachers and for students in EDU 5103 course.

- need to seriously change my work hours, to a combo of 7:30-4 and 8:30 - 5 AND use the track for a 30 minute walk - in disguise :)

Now back to planning the week!!

2010: What's the Plan?

The plan for the new year is the usual one. Except now I begin a five-year pre-retirement plan. Yes, most people begin that a tad earlier, but I've never been most people. Continue at the current position for a total of 2 or 3 years, then find a higher paying position until I retire, so I can get a better pension. After retirement, work at TMLA as part time teacher, staff developer, or administrator.

Right now, step up the profile at BUFSD, continue to teach at  SJU, and get another course or see about teaching the Saturday CAPSTONE prep course. Put together a conference presentation, or workshop for SCOPE. 

Clean out entire house. Drop 25 pounds by Easter. More to come---not pounds, though.

Another Hannon Christmas

Our 2009 Christmas Eve seemed smaller, but it was lovely. There were only two generations present, with Mary Ann moved to Florida and Uncle Tony and Carolyn gone to PA a day earlier. I left in time to attend Midnight Mass and therfore missed Dan and Jen, but I am sure I'll catch up with them soon. The party in Rockefeller Centre this past Sunday was another great family get together -- with Kelly our star on ice. 

After a slight protest, which I quickly quelled, the nephews and Kelly proceeded to the staircase for the annual picture. All bets are off for this for next year, though.